Phenol

Question 1

What is phenol?

Answer 1

An aromatic version of an alcohol.They are benzene rings with an -OH groups attached.

Question 2

What is the formula of phenol?

Answer 2

C6H5OH

Question 3

Phenol reacts with sodium hydroxide solution at room temperature to form…

Answer 3

Sodium phenoxide and water.

Question 4

Phenol doesn’t react with…

Answer 4

Sodium carbonate solution because it’s not a strong enough base.

Question 5

What happens when phenol reacts with bromine water?

Answer 5

A reaction will occur, decolourising the bromine water from orange to colourless.

Question 6

Why can phenol react with bromine water whilst benzene cannot?

Answer 6

To do with the OH group.One of the electron pairs in a p-orbital of the oxygen atom overlaps with the delocalised ring of electrons in the benzene ring.This increases the electron density of the ring, making it more likely to be attacked by the bromine molecule in these positions.The hydrogen atoms at 2,4 and 6 are substituted by bromine atoms.

Question 7

Uses of phenol.

Answer 7

AntisepticsDisinfectantsProduction of polymersAdhesives Paints

Question 8

Compare the reagents and conditions for the nitration of phenol with those used for the nitration of benzene.State and explain the effect of the –OH group on the reactivity of the benzene ring in phenol.

Answer 8

Benzene:HNO3 is concentrated conc H2SO4 is present Heating or stated temp above 50°C Explanation for greater reactivity of phenol:
Lone pair from O atom is delocalised into the ring Greater (π) electron density around the ring The benzene ring in phenol is activated Attracts electrophiles/+NO2 more

Question 9

Give the reagents for making 2,4,6-tribromophenol fromphenol and describe the appearance of the organic product.

Answer 9

Aqueous phenol and bromine waterWhite precipitate